Mike And Frank’s Network Gives Them A Major ‘Jumpstart’ On Finding Treasure For American Pickers – Looper

In a 2019 interview with Hollywood Soapbox, executive producer Michael Swanhaus answered a question about how exactly the Pickers know where to look. “Mike and Frank have been in this business long before the show started,” replied Swanhaus, “so they have a huge network of resources that, combined with the success of the show, gives them a great jumpstart on researching where they want to travel to next.”

Swanhaus didn’t provide much more information. This list of contacts also may have shrunk after disagreements between Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz led to the latter parting ways with the show in 2020, the year after this interview was conducted. Given that the two met more than 40 years ago and considering how long both had worked in the antique business, the list could be significantly smaller. Then again, with how long Wolfe and Fritz had known each other and worked together, there was likely a lot of overlap between their Rolodexes. Nevertheless, their networks are extensive.

We’ve been introduced to plenty of memorable and eccentric characters over the years. Even setting aside celebrity fans like Dolly Parton and Jack White leaves the likes of Prince Mongo and Hobo Jack, both of whom have helped point the pickers in the direction of some solid finds.